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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'm a current PK4 parent and have been happy with the school.

Academics: A few months ago, our PK teacher noticed that our daughter is ready to read and perform basic math skills. She has been pulling aside our daughter and a few other students during play time to hone these skills. I really appreciate this level of attention, and it's been delightful to see our daughter begin sounding out and recognizing words  and to be able to do simple math problems.

Social/Emotional: Our daughter's first year had a rocky start with regards to relationships with the other children. Our teacher spent some time with her over the first few months on managing her temper and showing empathy, which had a visible impact. I believe our teacher really cares about the kids and puts a ton of energy into her work -- we are just so appreciative.

General: The faculty and staff are very warm and friendly. The school has received "reward" status from DCPS for the past few years, and our principle has been recognized as a high performer. It's a Title I school, so there are unusual "perks", like free lunch, mandatory teeth brushing after lunch, uniforms, etc.  It's also an IB school, with a great curriculum coordinator, so I'm looking forward to the years ahead. The PK kids take field trips -- this year, so far, they've gone to the Botanical Gardens and to the Air and Space Museum (by Metro -- those brave teachers.). There are playgrounds on each building story that are semi-enclosed, parking garage style -- I like this set up, because the kids can play outside year-round, but I do miss the big outdoor playgrounds of my own childhood memories. There is roof-top garden that was revitalized last year with kale, potatoes, etc..

Concerns: The PTA is not particularly active, relative to other schools (which could be considered a plus, depending on where you stand on PTAs); after-school enrichment offerings are very limited, compared to WOTP schools; the music program could use a boost; and third grade test scores, while increasing, are not good (some high performers, many low performers -- guessing this is partly related to ESL population, since math scores are much higher than the English scores?). [b]The last point is probably my biggest concern for longer term participation in the school.[/b] Right now, my view is that as long as a group of kiddos are doing super well on these new, tough PARCC exams, that says to me that they are getting the extra attention they need and are working at the same level as their peers in other schools. I really love so much about Thomson -- our daughter has been doing so well -- I want to make it work. I will revisit this last point as our kiddo progresses through the school -- fingers crossed.

Hope this helps.

[/quote]

I would not worry so much.  50% of the school is composed of English Language Learners, and Thomson has the added challenge of working with both native-Spanish and native-Chinese speakers.  If you drill down the information, it is this population that is bringing down the overall test scores:  https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/publication/attachments/2015_Equity_Report_DCPS%20School_Thomson%20ES_1.pdf.  Your child will probably do just fine.  Also, the median growth percentile is reassuring.  There were more kids scoring in the 4/5 this testing year compared with the last, and the school was recognized for it.  [/quote]

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